Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan Discuss Food Allergy Awareness with Lindsay Spangler of Red Sneakers for Oakley

Greg and Dan speak with Lindsay Spangler, local advocate and representative of Red Sneakers for Oakley, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about food allergies and promoting education and preparedness in allergy-related emergencies. Red Sneakers has grown into a national movement emphasizing the importance of epinephrine accessibility and food allergy education.

Lindsay highlights the staggering rise in food allergies, noting a 50% increase in recent years. Currently, 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy. This growing concern reinforces the organization’s message: “Time Matters”—in the event of an allergic reaction, timely administration of epinephrine can be lifesaving.

In an exciting local development, the Peoria Chiefs have partnered with Red Sneakers for Oakley to become more inclusive for families managing food allergies. The ballpark will now stock epinephrine onsite and provide a designated allergy-free ticket section, offering a safe and inclusive space for fans with severe allergies. While not definitively the first in the country, the Peoria Chiefs are among the first minor league baseball teams to implement such allergy-conscious measures.

The conversation also raised an important question: How can we make America's favorite pastime more inclusive when it’s so heavily tied to peanuts and other common allergens? Through partnerships like this, Red Sneakers for Oakley hopes to shift the culture of public events to be safer and more welcoming to everyone.

For more information or to support the mission, visit: redsneakers.org/Peoria

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Greg and Dan talk with Chief Meteorologist Chuck Collins, about the intense heat dome currently affecting the Peoria region.

Chuck explains that this heat dome is responsible for the extreme temperatures and oppressive conditions across much of the Midwest. While the peak of this particular heat wave may only last a few days, the high humidity and sweltering “steam bath” effect is expected to persist well into the coming weeks, making for an uncomfortable stretch of summer weather.

A major factor contributing to the ongoing humidity in Central Illinois is the abundance of cornfields surrounding the Peoria area. As Chuck explains, each acre of corn can release up to 4,000 gallons of water into the atmosphere through a natural process called evapotranspiration. This moisture adds significantly to the region’s already humid air—especially during July, when corn reaches its peak growth. This unique agricultural effect means that even after the worst of the heat dome passes, residents can expect continued muggy conditions thanks to the combination of atmospheric patterns and local environmental influences.

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Greg and Dan talk with Becca Cottrell, the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Peoria, about the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Days taking place across the region in the coming months.

These collection days provide residents with a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of hazardous materials that cannot go in regular trash or recycling bins. Items accepted typically include household chemicals, paints, automotive fluids, pesticides, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and more.

The upcoming Household Hazardous Waste events will be held at the following locations:

• August 2nd – Expo Gardens, Peoria

• September 13th – Three Sisters Park, Chillicothe

• October 4th – Alpha Park, Bartonville

Each event is free for residents and often requires pre-registration to manage traffic and collection efficiency. Becca also explains what items are and aren’t accepted, and how residents can prepare their materials for drop-off.

For full details, accepted item lists, and registration links, visit: www.peoriacounty.gov/recycle

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Greg and Dan Interview Vinnie Amico of moe. Ahead of Peoria Riverfront Show

Greg and Dan sit down with Vinnie Amico, longtime drummer for the iconic jam band moe., to discuss the group’s upcoming performance on August 7th at the Peoria Riverfront from 7–10 PM. The show is part of the band’s ongoing summer tour, and promises a night of vibrant music and celebrating over three decades of musical exploration.

moe. was originally formed in Buffalo, New York, in 1989, and Vinnie joined the band in 1996. Known for their improvisational live performances and loyal fan base, moe. has become a cornerstone of the jam band genre.

Vinnie reflects on the band’s 35-year journey, including their early days and pivotal role in helping launch the Peoria-based Summer Camp Music Festival in 2001, as well as their earlier involvement with the Summer Sessions series in 1999. He also shares insight into how the band got its unique name—moe.—and how their sound has evolved over the years.

The band recently released their 14th studio album, Circle of Giants, in January 2025, which Vinnie describes as his personal favorite. The album is a celebration of the band’s 35th anniversary. Despite the decades on the road, Vinnie emphasizes that there’s still excitement every day, and the band remains passionate as they prepare for the next leg of their tour.

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Greg talks with Chief Meteorologist Chuck Collins about the unusual weather patterns impacting the nation. They discuss the recent surge in extreme weather events sweeping across the country. From unprecedented rainfall totals to widespread flash flooding. 

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Greg and Dan talk with Jason Chapman of Quality Water Solutions about the growing concern of lead contamination in Peoria's water supply — an issue that has gained enough traction to make Chicago news headlines. Chapman sheds light on how this long-standing problem is resurfacing, with historical roots dating back over 30 years. Illinois once held the highest levels of lead contamination in the nation, and it appears that aging infrastructure is now bringing those concerns back into focus.

Chapman explains that several risk factors contribute to elevated lead levels, including the age of water delivery systems, older plumbing fixtures, and residential construction prior to 2014, when lead components were still commonly used in pipes, faucets, and soldering materials.

To help residents determine if their homes are affected, water testing kits and sample collection services are available. These kits can detect whether lead or other contaminants are present in tap water. Chapman notes that while federal and state governments have funded pipe replacement initiatives, progress is gradual and the issue could take years to fully resolve.

Beyond lead, water contamination includes other serious threats such as heavy metals, bacteria, and even microplastics. These additional pollutants further emphasize the need for comprehensive testing and long-term infrastructure improvements.

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Greg and Dan talk with Dave Johnson, at Pearl Technology, about the emergence of a new ransomware group known as SafePay and its recent cyberattack on Ingram Micro, a global leader in IT distribution and supply chain services.

Ingram Micro, which generates over $48 billion in annual revenue and employs tens of thousands of people worldwide, fell victim to a major breach despite its vast resources and robust infrastructure. The situation highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the reality that no organization is immune to cyberattacks, regardless of size or budget.

SafePay, the ransomware group behind the attack, has reportedly deployed over 220 ransomware payloads to date. Previously known for targeting organizations in the legal sector, the group appears to be expanding its focus to global enterprise-level targets, with Ingram Micro now in their crosshairs.

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Greg and Dan speak with Mike Hinton, the new owner of Kartville, a well-known family entertainment center in West Peoria, about his vision for the future of the local attraction.

Mike shares exciting updates about the recent changes and additions at Kartville, including new attractions and enhanced amenities designed to create an even more enjoyable experience for families and visitors of all ages. With a focus on reinvestment and community engagement, Hinton emphasizes his commitment to revitalizing the space and turning Kartville into a top destination for family fun in the region.

From go-karts and mini-golf to other outdoor activities, the facility continues to expand its offerings to better serve the Peoria area. Mike also highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and how Kartville aims to contribute positively to West Peoria’s social vibrancy.

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Greg and Dan speak with Marcellus Sommerville, President and CEO of the Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service, about the urgent challenges facing the local food pantry amid a growing demand for assistance.

Marcellus shares that the pantry is currently experiencing a critical shortage of food due to an unprecedented rise in need throughout the community. He emphasizes that the next few weeks will be crucial in determining how much food can be distributed to families who rely on this vital resource.

The conversation highlights the importance of community support. He outlines what items are most needed—including non-perishable foods, canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, and hygiene products—and reminds listeners that every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. 

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